Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has become a pervasive issue within the last few years as technology has continued to advance at a rapid pace. The current generation of children has never lived during a time where social media and portable electronic devices such as cell phones and tablets did not exist. Children today belong to the world of social media which can bring about both positive and negative effects. One of the worst negative effects that have increased with the rise of social media is that of cyberbullying.

What is Cyberbullying?

As a result of advancements in technology bullying has become an online threat in which youth are at an increased risk. Bullying that takes place using online or mobile media that is directed toward a minor is referred to as cyberbullying. It is important to raise awareness of cyberbullying by educating those that are likely to be affected and the potential psychological and physical harm that cyberbullying can cause. While unfortunate and heartbreaking, the increase in youth suicides has helped raise awareness of cyberbullying and begun the process of much needed legislation. The image on the right is from an article by the New York Daily News in which the family of a gay teen that committed suicide participates in the march over George Washington Bridge to fight cyberbullying.

The following definition of cyberbullying can be accredited to Bill Belsey, a cyberbullying advocate and a Canadian educator.

Cyberbullying

"involves the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cell phone and pager text messages, instant messaging, defamatory personal websites, and defamatory online personal polling Web sites, to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others."